A New Energy Weekend in Venice, California
Sometimes we forget how nice it is to be on or near the water. Last weekend, it was hot inland, so we visited WindSong, our 1970 Ericson 35 Mk II sailboat at Marina del Rey (MDR).
On Saturday afternoon, we drove to world famous Venice Beach. For those who wish to be part of the scene, the Venice Beach Boardwalk
is the place to be. For those of us who like a beach sans crowds, the
stretch closest to the Marina del Rey breakwater is best. Despite the
dearth of parking near the sand, we decided to try it.
After circling the area for about fifteen minutes,
we realized that our Nissan Titan Off-road 4X4 should be able to go
where others fear to tread. We held our breath, dialed in low-range
4-wheel drive, then tapped the throttle lightly. We stopped on the
sand, within yards of the beach.
As soon as we parked, another 4X4 truck, with fancy
wheels attempted what we had just accomplished. Even with his lift-kit
and aggressive tires, he spun his wheels until all four were kicking
sand. His truck came to rest looking like a 4-wheel drive commercial.
His only problem was that he was stuck there for fifteen minutes.
One of the highlights of visiting MDR in the summertime is the unsurpassed day sailing on nearby Santa Monica Bay.
From any boat slip in the marina, you can be sailing on the bay in less
than fifteen minutes. Expect cool and overcast conditions until early
afternoon, even in the summer. The cloud cover keeps you cool and
comfortable as you sail past Venice Pier, then on to Santa Monica Pier, where this high-tech trimaran passed us by.
Turning at Santa Monica Pier, we tacked towards the
MDR South Entrance. As hoped for, the sun came out, reflecting silver
light across the sea. As we delighted in the brisk breeze, Ben played
his "Young Man and the Sea" role, all the while keeping us on course.
Later, the less fortunate received a tow from Vessel
Assist, while Bay Watch, LA County stood by. In the background, you
will see your Alaska Pipeline at work. The tankers moored offshore from El Segundo are unloading there via undersea pipeline, connected to refineries onshore.
The first time I saw this sailboat, I did not know
what to think. I have seen graphics on racing sails before, but they
tend to be iconic, rather than photographic. Despite its blatancy, I
like it. Coors
has a legendary quality from the early 1970s, when it was in short
supply and bootlegged around the country by truckers. Additionally, one
can get quite thirsty while out on the water.
Sunset is always a special time of day at Venice
Beach, where it meets the Marina. Having spent as many hours sailing
the bay and walking along this shore, I know that the Main Channel at
Marina del Rey is at the center of the arc of Santa Monica Bay. The
Sun, wind and waves converge and focus vortextural energies on that
place, showering and splashing a joy of life both to and from our
universe complete.
Email James McGillis
Email James McGillis
By James McGillis at 04:16 PM | Current Events | Comments (0) | Link